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"Howdy, Al! How are you?" greeted Dale, easily, as he leaned his rifle against the log wall

Auchincloss did not rise, but he offered his hand

"Wal, Milt Dale, I reckon this is the first time I ever seen you that I couldn't lay you flat on your back," replied the rancher His tone was both testy and full of pathos

"I take it you mean you ain't very well," replied Dale "I'm sorry, Al"

"No, it ain't thet Never was sick inan' willin', an' did too much Wal, you don't look a day older, Milt Livin' in the woods rolls over a man's head"

"Yes, I'm feelin' fine, an' time never bothers me"

"Wal, mebbe you ain't such a fool, after all I've wondered lately--since I had tiit no richer"

"Al, I have all I want an' need"

"Wal, then, you don't support anybody; you don't do any good in the world"

"We don't agree, Al," replied Dale, with his slow smile

"Reckon we never did An' you jest coether," answered Dale, ponderingly "First off, I'd like to say I'll pay back thear killed"